Genesis 41:56

Authorized King James Version

And the famine was over all the face of the earth: And Joseph opened all the storehouses, and sold unto the Egyptians; and the famine waxed sore in the land of Egypt.

Word-by-Word Analysis

הָֽרָעָ֖ב

H7458

And the famine

hunger (more or less extensive)

הָיָ֔ה

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

עַ֖ל

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

כָּל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

פְּנֵ֣י

H6440

was over all the face

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

בְּאֶ֥רֶץ

H776

in the land

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

וַיִּפְתַּ֨ח

H6605

opened

to open wide (literally or figuratively); specifically, to loosen, begin, plough, carve

יוֹסֵ֜ף

H3130

And Joseph

joseph, the name of seven israelites

אֶֽת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#10

כָּל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#11

אֲשֶׁ֤ר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

#12

בָּהֶם֙

#13

וַיִּשְׁבֹּ֣ר

H7666

all the storehouses and sold

to deal in grain

#14

לְמִצְרַ֔יִם

H4713

a mitsrite, or inhabitant of mitsrajim

#15

וַיֶּֽחֱזַ֥ק

H2388

waxed sore

to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restra

#16

הָֽרָעָ֖ב

H7458

And the famine

hunger (more or less extensive)

#17

בְּאֶ֥רֶץ

H776

in the land

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

#18

מִצְרָֽיִם׃

H4714

of Egypt

mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt

Analysis

Within the broader context of Genesis, this passage highlights creation and providence through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Genesis.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of ancient Near Eastern narrative literature addressing origins and identity shapes this text's meaning. The development from creation to divine election established God's sovereign care over history Understanding a worldview where divine beings actively governed natural and historical processes helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How does this verse's literary context within Genesis chapter 41 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
How does the creation and providence theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about creation and providence?

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